Comprehensive Symptom Navigator

Hypothyroidism

Specialty: Senior Health and Geriatrics

Category: Chronic Diseases and Multimorbidity

Sub-category: Metabolic and Endocrine Disorders

Symptoms:
fatigue; weight gain; cold intolerance; constipation; dry skin; hair loss; depression

Root Cause:
Underactive thyroid gland that produces insufficient thyroid hormones (T3 and T4), leading to slowed metabolism.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Blood tests measuring levels of TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) and free T4.

Treatment:
Lifelong thyroid hormone replacement therapy, typically with levothyroxine.

Medications:
Levothyroxine (a synthetic form of T4) to replace missing thyroid hormone.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects approximately 4-5% of adults, with a higher prevalence in older adults, especially women.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Autoimmune diseases (e.g., Hashimoto's thyroiditis), age, gender (more common in women), and family history.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Well-controlled with appropriate medication. Untreated hypothyroidism can lead to serious complications.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Heart disease, infertility, nerve damage, myxedema coma (in severe cases).

Vitamin D Deficiency

Specialty: Senior Health and Geriatrics

Category: Chronic Diseases and Multimorbidity

Sub-category: Metabolic and Endocrine Disorders

Symptoms:
fatigue; bone pain; muscle weakness; frequent infections; depression; hair loss

Root Cause:
Insufficient levels of vitamin D in the body, leading to poor calcium absorption, bone weakness, and muscle problems.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Blood test measuring levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D.

Treatment:
Vitamin D supplementation, increased sun exposure, and dietary changes (foods rich in vitamin D like fatty fish, fortified foods, etc.).

Medications:
Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol ) supplements, either orally or through injections in severe cases.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects about 30-50% of the global population, with higher rates in older adults.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Age, limited sun exposure, dark skin, obesity, certain medications, and poor dietary intake.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Timely diagnosis reduces the risk of fractures, falls, and associated complications, while also enhancing bone health, muscle strength, and overall quality of life.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Osteoporosis. Increased risk of fractures. Muscle weakness. Falls. Impaired immune function. Potential cardiovascular and cognitive issues.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)

Specialty: Pediatrics

Category: Immunologic and Rheumatologic Disorders

Sub-category: Autoimmune Disorders

Symptoms:
butterfly-shaped rash on the face; joint pain; fever; fatigue; photosensitivity; hair loss; mouth sores; kidney problems; chest pain

Root Cause:
SLE is a chronic autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks healthy tissues, including skin, joints, kidneys, and other organs.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis involves a combination of clinical signs, laboratory tests (e.g., ANA, anti-dsDNA, anti-Smith), and organ-specific testing (e.g., urinalysis for kidney involvement).

Treatment:
Treatment typically includes corticosteroids, immunosuppressive drugs (e.g., hydroxychloroquine, azathioprine), and biologic agents like belimumab.

Medications:
Medications may include hydroxychloroquine (an antimalarial that modulates immune function), corticosteroids (such as prednisone ), and immunosuppressive drugs (e.g., cyclophosphamide , azathioprine ) to control inflammation and prevent flare-ups.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
SLE is rare in children, affecting approximately 0.1-0.3 per 100,000 children annually, and is more common in females, particularly in adolescence.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Genetic predisposition (e.g., certain HLA types), environmental factors (e.g., sun exposure), hormonal influences (e.g., more common in females).

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
With modern treatments, many children can live normal or near-normal lives, though the disease may still cause organ damage, especially kidney involvement.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Kidney failure (lupus nephritis), cardiovascular problems, infections due to immunosuppressive therapy, and increased risk of blood clots.

Lupus Erythematosus (Cutaneous and Systemic)

Specialty: Dermatology

Category: Skin Disorders

Sub-category: Autoimmune and Connective Tissue Disorders

Symptoms:
butterfly-shaped facial rash; joint pain and swelling; photosensitivity; fatigue; oral ulcers; hair loss; systemic symptoms like kidney involvement (in systemic lupus)

Root Cause:
Autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks its own tissues, causing inflammation and damage.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical examination, blood tests (e.g., ANA, anti-dsDNA), and skin or organ biopsies.

Treatment:
Sun protection, topical or systemic corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, and antimalarials.

Medications:
Antimalarials (e.g., hydroxychloroquine ) – for systemic and cutaneous lupus. Corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone ) – for inflammation. Immunosuppressants (e.g., methotrexate , mycophenolate mofetil). Biologics (e.g., belimumab ) – for refractory cases.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects 5–50 per 100,000 globally, more common in women.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Genetic predisposition, hormonal factors, infections, and environmental triggers like UV light.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Chronic condition with variable severity; systemic lupus can be life-threatening without treatment.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Kidney damage (lupus nephritis); Cardiovascular disease; Neurological symptoms

Lupus (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, SLE)

Specialty: Orthopedics and Rheumatology

Category: Rheumatologic Conditions

Sub-category: Systemic Autoimmune Diseases

Symptoms:
fatigue; joint pain or swelling; skin rashes (especially a butterfly-shaped rash across the cheeks and nose); photosensitivity; hair loss; mouth or nose ulcers; chest pain or difficulty breathing; kidney issues (e.g., protein in urine, kidney failure)

Root Cause:
The immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues and organs, leading to inflammation and damage in multiple systems including skin, joints, kidneys, heart, and lungs.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Medical history and physical examination. Blood tests, including antinuclear antibody (ANA) test, anti-dsDNA, and other specific autoantibodies. Urinalysis (to detect kidney involvement). Skin biopsy (if needed). Imaging tests for organ involvement (e.g., chest X-ray, echocardiogram).

Treatment:
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain relief. Corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone) to reduce inflammation. Antimalarials (e.g., hydroxychloroquine) to control symptoms. Immunosuppressive drugs (e.g., methotrexate, azathioprine). Biologic drugs (e.g., belimumab) for more severe cases. Kidney dialysis or transplant if kidney failure occurs.

Medications:
NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen , naproxen ) - anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic medications. Corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone , methylprednisolone ) - immunosuppressants used to control inflammation. Hydroxychloroquine - an antimalarial used for immune modulation. Methotrexate - an immunosuppressive medication often used for severe or refractory cases. Belimumab - a monoclonal antibody used for lupus that inhibits B-cell activation.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects approximately 1 in 2,000 people worldwide, more common in women (especially those of childbearing age) and individuals of African, Hispanic, and Asian descent.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Female gender (more common in women). Family history of lupus or other autoimmune diseases. Genetic predisposition (certain genes related to immune system function). Exposure to sunlight (photosensitivity). Infections (can trigger or worsen symptoms). Use of certain medications (e.g., hydralazine, procainamide).

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Variable; with treatment, many patients can lead relatively normal lives. However, lupus can be life-threatening, especially when vital organs (kidneys, heart, lungs) are involved. Early diagnosis and management can help improve long-term outcomes.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Kidney damage (lupus nephritis). Cardiovascular disease (heart attacks, stroke). Pregnancy complications (e.g., preeclampsia, miscarriage). Osteoporosis (due to long-term corticosteroid use). Infections (due to immunosuppressive treatment).

Malnutrition

Specialty: Senior Health and Geriatrics

Category: Geriatric Syndromes

Symptoms:
unintended weight loss; fatigue; weakness; poor wound healing; dry skin; hair loss; decreased appetite; edema

Root Cause:
Malnutrition occurs when the body does not get enough nutrients or calories. It can result from inadequate dietary intake, poor absorption of nutrients, or increased nutritional needs due to illness or aging.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis is based on clinical assessments, including evaluating weight history, dietary intake, physical exams, and lab tests (such as serum albumin levels, hemoglobin, and other nutrient deficiencies).

Treatment:
Treatment involves addressing the underlying causes of malnutrition, improving nutritional intake, and in some cases, providing supplements or enteral/parenteral feeding. Dietary changes, meal plans, and a multidisciplinary team approach are essential.

Medications:
No specific "medications" for malnutrition, but supplements like multivitamins , vitamin D, vitamin B12, and iron may be prescribed depending on deficiencies. Medications to stimulate appetite (e.g., megestrol acetate) or treat underlying conditions may be used as well.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Malnutrition affects approximately 10-40% of older adults, particularly those with chronic conditions or who are hospitalized or institutionalized.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Advanced age, chronic diseases (such as diabetes, cancer, or gastrointestinal disorders), low socioeconomic status, social isolation, depression, difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), and medications that affect appetite or nutrient absorption.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
With appropriate interventions, malnutrition can be reversed, and health outcomes can improve. However, if left untreated, it may lead to weakened immune function, infections, and increased mortality risk.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Increased risk of infections, delayed wound healing, weakened muscles, bone fractures, and a higher rate of hospital readmissions.

Acute Radiation Syndrome (ARS)

Specialty: Toxicology

Category: Chronic Toxicity and Long-Term Exposures

Sub-category: Radiation Exposure

Symptoms:
nausea; vomiting; diarrhea; skin burns; hair loss; weakness; bleeding; infections

Root Cause:
Damage to rapidly dividing cells and tissues due to high-dose ionizing radiation exposure over a short period.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Medical history of radiation exposure, symptoms onset, blood tests (lymphocyte count), and dosimetry (measuring radiation dose received).

Treatment:
Supportive care (hydration, pain management, and infection control), growth factors to stimulate bone marrow recovery, blood transfusions, antibiotics, and stem cell transplantation in severe cases.

Medications:
Growth factors like filgrastim (granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, G-CSF) to promote white blood cell recovery; anti-nausea medications such as ondansetron (serotonin antagonist); antibiotics or antifungals for infection control; potassium iodide to block thyroid uptake of radioactive iodine.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare; typically occurs after nuclear accidents, medical radiation mishaps, or radiation weapon exposure.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Proximity to nuclear explosions or accidents, occupational exposure without proper protective measures, and participation in nuclear weaponry-related activities.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Varies by radiation dose; low to moderate doses may allow recovery, while high doses can lead to fatal organ failure within days to weeks.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Secondary infections, hemorrhage, organ failure, and long-term risks of cancer due to DNA damage.